If you are a talented musician then you will no doubt wish to explore that route but if you are interested in other areas of the industry then you will want to know your options. Below are some of the ways artists and non-musicians can break into the music biz.
What is the music business?
As you are aware, music is everywhere around us. It gets played in video games, on ringtones, soundtracks for movies, and in shopping malls. All of this music was written, composed, recorded, engineered, and more. A local music venue that has live bands playing is part of the music business. The music industry would be seen as something much larger than just the music business although this can get a little confusing.
The music business might be classed as anything to do with making money from music. So, performing, recording, etc. Any business that is involved in music is part of the music industry as a whole.
Downloads, streaming and recorded music in general is worth $20 billion dollars globally. Together with live performance revenues, the industry is worth over $30 billion a year. Clearly, this is a business that you might want to carve a career out of.
What qualifications do you need?
This will depend on which area of the business you want to work in. Many people in the music industry have no degrees but for some positions, you would need formal qualifications.
For instance, if you wanted to go into Music Management it would be recommended that you studied for a Bachelor’s or Master’s in Business Administration or Music Management. If you want to be a producer then it isn’t necessary to have a degree. Some positions require talent and knowledge that can only be gained from spending time in the studio, not the classroom.
In what ways can you make it in the music business?
First, you will need to decide where your talents lie and if you are willing to spend 5 years at college or if you want to simply work in a record shop. It could be you just have a love of music and you are happy to chat with customers and recommend records all day. Others might want to become an agent and work with big artists. Here are some options for you to consider:
Session musician
This can be a steady way to work as a musician and still have a reliable source of income. You will need to network and make sure your name is known in the right circles and to do that you will also need an online presence or portfolio.
Make sure your performance is as good as possible. If you are starting then use online tools to help. Play covers of popular songs as well as your own compositions if you have them. If you want to play Coldplay chords then use a suitable website to rip those from the song so you can learn them perfectly. Practice is so important as studio time costs money and you need to be proficient. Especially if you want to be called back.
Websites like YouTube and Vimeo are handy for uploading videos of yourself playing. Showing off your talents online will make it easier for others to see and hear you. Contact local studios too. This way your name will get known and they might require someone close by who is available quickly.
Lastly, if you have a particular sound it can be a bonus. Or if you don’t have one outstanding area then try to master more than one instrument. This obviously makes you far more useful in a studio setting. If you already play keyboards then try to learn chords for guitar online and expand your chances of working.
Music journalist or writer
The days of NME may largely be gone but the music needs media coverage still. This is an area that you may want to look into studying for a qualification in journalism but you can also make your own way alone. To work in the TV industry or for established print and online media you may need a degree in journalism, however, there is nothing to stop you from writing your own music blog. If you get popular you might find someone bigger comes knocking on your door.
Songwriter
Not all singers or bands write their own music. In fact, there are sometimes whole writing teams behind one solo artist. You will need talent and build up a collection of work overtime which will help you to hone your skills. To break into the business could take a lot of time and luck. You can try approaching artists and their management, record producers, or even other forms of media such as TV or movie companies.
Become a DJ
You will need to understand modern digital technology and have a vast knowledge of music from the past to the present. You need to judge a crowd and understand you are responsible for how the whole set will go in a club. However, this is an area that could be in reach of anyone with the skillset and a foot in the door, so to speak.
Music professionals
Bands tend to get together because of a love of performing. Maybe they are dreaming of all the money they can make and the fans, but generally, they don’t consider the legal or financial details at the beginning.
The music industry needs accountants, finance managers, lawyers, and more. These are well-paid positions in the business that will need degrees. For someone who loves the music industry but has no desire to be a musician or any other facet of it then considering a career in finance or law is a genuine option.
Make your own record label
Can’t break into the business? Then make your own name and join in anyway. You will need some finances behind you and some business acumen and a lot of determination. One of the keys to making this work will be how many contacts you have and if you can have access to other music professionals.
Become a producer
To break into this area you can contact studios and ask if you can get relevant work experience. You may get an internship and even if it is unpaid you will gain masses of experience. You will need to learn about engineering, mixing, recording, and much more before you can start considering a career in music production. Offering your skills to local bands can help them gain inexpensive production while you get more experience. Production includes more areas than many realize and you might be surprised to learn it can even include writing music.
Summary
The music industry could be tough to break into depending on what area you are targeting. Becoming a million-selling artist is less likely to happen than becoming a roadie for instance. There are many career options though and through hard work, talent and study you could be a promoter, a manager, an agent, or even the next Timbaland.